Purple mombin (Spondias purpurea, Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 613 (1762))

Family: Anacardiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 613 (1762)

Year: 1762

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Spondias

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to N. Colombia

Description

Purple mombin, scientifically known as Spondias purpurea, is a notable fruit-bearing tree native to the regions spanning from Mexico to Northern Colombia. This vibrant and colorful species belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, a family renowned for its diversity and economic significance.

The purple mombin is recognized for its distinctive small, oval, and often reddish-purple fruits, which are packed with a unique blend of sweetness and tartness. These fruits are not only sought after for their refreshing taste but also for their nutritional benefits, being rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

The tree itself boasts a sturdy, spreading canopy and can reach considerable heights, making it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes. Its leaves are pinnate and bright green, contributing to a lush, tropical aesthetic. During the blooming season, the purple mombin exhibits clusters of small, fragrant flowers that further enhance its appeal to gardeners and horticulturists.

Ecologically, Spondias purpurea plays a significant role in its native habitats, providing food and habitat for various bird and insect species. Its fruits are a natural food source for wildlife, aiding in the dispersion of the tree’s seeds and promoting ecological balance within its range.

Historically, the purple mombin has been cultivated and valued not only for its fruit but also for various medicinal uses by indigenous cultures in its native distribution. Different parts of the tree, including the bark and leaves, have been utilized for their purported health benefits, ranging from anti-inflammatory properties to digestive aids.

In summary, the purple mombin, Spondias purpurea, is much more than a tropical fruit tree; it is a vital piece of its native ecosystem, a cherished source of nutrition and flavor, and a plant with deep cultural and historical significance.

Common Names

Spa: ciruela, cireula mexicana, ciruela española, ciruelo, ovo
Eng: purple mombin, spanish-plum, hog-plum, red mombin, jamaica plum, red plum
Por: ciriguela, imbu, imbuzeiro, seriguela, siriguela
Fra: mombin rouge, prune d’espagne
Deu: rote mombinpflaume
Swe: röd mombinspondias
En: Purple mombin, Red mombin, Spanish-plum, Hog-plum, Ciruela, Jocote, Siniguela, Jamaica Plum, Red Plum, Spanish Plum, Ovo, Scarlet plum
Zh: 侯購諜
Nl: Rode mombinpruim
Fr: Prune d’Espagne, Mombin rouge, Jocote, Prune café, Prunier d’espagne, Prunier des Antilles
De: Rote Mombinpflaume
Ht: Siwèl
Ml: ജൊക്കോട്ട്
Fa: اسپاندیاس پورپورآ
Pl: Śliwiec purpurowy
Pt: Imbu, Imbuzeiro, Cajazeiro, Cajá-mirim, Cajá-redondo, Seriguela, Ciriguela, Siriguela, Cajá, Cirouela
Pt-br: Serig�ela, Cirig�ela, Ciruela
Ru: Момбин пурпурный
Es: Cireula mexicana, Ciruela española, Ciruelo, Jocote, Ovo, Jocote iguanero, Sismoyo., Ciruela, Ciruela colorada, Canajo, Cirgüelo, Ciruela común, Ciruela de hueso, Ciruela de monte, Ciruela del fraile, Ciruela jobo, Ciruela mexicana, Ciruela roja, Hobo, Hobo blanco, Hobo colorado, Jobillo, Jobito, Jobo, Jobo gusanero, Jocose, Jocote común, Sua, Ubo, Yocote, Jocote de Iguana, Jocote Nica, Jocote Tronador, Sismoyo
Sv: Röd mombinspondias
Tl: Sinigwelas
Th: มะกอกแดง
Uk: Момбін пурпурний

Synonyms

• Spondias negrosensis (Kosterm.)
• Spondias purpurea var. munita (I.M.Johnst.)
• Spondias purpurea f. lutea (Fawc. & Rendle)
• Spondias crispula (Beurl.)
• Spondias oliviformis (W.Bull)
• Spondias mexicana (S.Watson)
• Warmingia pauciflora (Engl.)
• Spondias jocote-amarillo (Kosterm.)
• Spondias myrobalanus (L.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Cayman Is. (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• French Guiana (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Gambia (introduced)
• Guinea-Bissau (introduced)
• Guyana (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Senegal (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Oct 27, 2022 by D’Rock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Hanns Michael Küpper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Schmidt Fernando da Luz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Schmidt Fernando da Luz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2020 by José Martí Rosales Rodríguez (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Pinheiro Vanda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2022 by Ronan Gamero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2021 by Samio Costa De Sousa Samio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 2, 2019 by Nogueira Rodrigo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2020 by FERREIRA DIEGO CÉSAR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2022 by D’Rock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Hanns Michael Küpper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Schmidt Fernando da Luz (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2022 by Anghelo Herrera Calvo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2022 by Adrianodantas1927 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2016 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 1, 2020 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 15, 2019 by Moura Miguel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2020 by Maekeler Rebecca (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2022 by D’Rock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Hanns Michael Küpper (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 17, 2010 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2010 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2010 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2021 by Schmidt Fernando da Luz (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3190598)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:71494-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Spondias purpurea L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree

Growth